Joe Strummer And The Mescaleros Streetcore

Streetcore: In Joe's words, "A distillation thru the mind bending coil..."

In November of 2002 Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros had been on an extensive UK tour, the "Bringing It All Back Home Tour", and were blending new songs into their set, which were recorded in December before Joe passed away and now appear on Streetcore.

Streetcore is a collection of new material, which reflected the Mescaleros' life on the road together, combined with distilling their collective vast knowledge of musical genres. His final gig with his newfound cohorts was a controversial benefit for the British Fire Brigades Union.

As band mate and co-producer with Scott Shields, Martin Slattery said, " I'll miss the inspiration more than anything. He wanted us to make music that we feel - it's such an alternative position these days to be able to work with a guy who is not only a legend, but is allowing you to do what you want."

With the release of Steetcore, the electric axes are back, with a couple of unplugged-style tunes included - "Silver & Gold", and a song Joe was inspired to write for Johnny Cash called "The Long Shadow", whom he performs with Smokey Hormel as well as a terrific version of Redemption song by Bob Marley, who's songs and performances no doubt influenced Joe a great deal throughout his life.

Stand out rock tracks are "Coma Girl" and "Get Down Moses" (rock/reggae flavored) which the band had become well versed in performing live throughout 2002.
It was Joe and the band's desire to go straight from the road into the studio, not lose momentum, capture their energy, freshness & tightness as a band to record the new songs for this record.

Joe's own artwork and logos for the record grace the cover and internal packaging, giving the record a personal touch. His diagrams and illustrations are put into a montage style - offering insight into his and the bands creative process behind the concept, truly depicting his vision and lyrical ideas for Streetcore.

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